Can High Shoulder Shots Cause Penetration Issues with Heavy Bullets?

Shot Placement Considerations

When considering a high-shoulder shot on an elk, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with penetration issues. The shoulder area of an elk is a dense collection of bones, including the scapula, humerus, and radius. This dense structure can cause heavy bullets to deviate from their intended path, potentially resulting in non-penetrating shots or, worse, ricochets.

Bullet Selection and Velocity

The type of bullet used can significantly impact the likelihood of penetration issues with a high-shoulder shot. Bullets with a high ballistic coefficient (BC) and a flat trajectory tend to perform better at longer ranges. However, when it comes to penetrating the dense shoulder area of an elk, a high-velocity, heavy-hitting bullet (e.g., 180-grain, 300-grain, or 300-grain at 2,800 ft/s) may not always be the best choice. Such bullets can be too prone to fragmentation or ricochet when encountering the dense bone structure.

Best Practices for High-Shoulder Shots

While a high-shoulder shot can be effective, it’s crucial to consider the risks associated with penetration issues. To mitigate these risks, hunters should aim for a slightly higher position, taking into account the elk’s shoulder angle. Aiming for the base of the ear or the center of the ear can provide a more consistent and predictable shot, reducing the likelihood of penetration issues.